44mm vs. 40mm....and I tried on the 111 & 005 today

[Cru Jones]

I went to an AD today and tried on the 111 and the 005 for the first time. So very nice! AND SO BIG! I was kind of expecting the width on my wrist, and, being 6'6"/almost 2 meters, I think I can pull it off, but, I wasn't expecting the thickness, too. For such a simple (in a good way) looking watch, I didn't think they were such beasts! LOL....

Anyway, prices are €3,700 for the 111 and €3,100 for the 005....Basically, for €600, you get the sandwich dial without logo and sapphire back (to see that beautiful ETA movement). Tough choice....

My question to you all is if a 40mm PAM is complete sacrilige or not? I work in a pretty conservative environment, and maybe the 44mm is too big and glitzy....

If 40mm works, any recommendations?

Or, keep trying on the 111/005 until I get over it?

Thanks...

FWIW, since beating on ADs seems to be the flavor of the month, the AD, with several other brands in his store, was very knowledgeable about Panerai and answered all of my questions fully to my satisfaction.

[Cabaiguan]

I just bought a 176K with a titanium finish. It's 44mm, but the brushed look really tones down the watch, which I really like. In the end, if 40mm makes you more comfortable, go for it. My wrist is about 6.75" and I find the 44mm to be fine.

[timepieceaddict]

You will get used to the size of a 44mm Pam. 40mm Pam is not for me. But sure if you like the 40mm, then go for it. BTW, I'm 5ft 10 and my Pam 000 and Pam 312 fit just fine.

[ocwatching]

yeah..I have to second (or third) the above..you will get used to the 44mm...

a few years ago I tried on a logo and thought I could not pull it off (6.5" wrist) but once I had my 312 on..it felt like magic...

of course..my PAM is my leisure watch...I am a bit self conscious in the office setting...but many people wear them in office settings...

my watches go from 35mm to 44mm...different watches for different events...

welcome to the dark side of TRF...

[jwkunkle]

Just about everyone I have ever seen purchase a 40mm PAM ended up switching to the larger 44mm. Your eye will get used to the size. The real issue you may have is going from the 44mm PAM back to a 40mm Sub...that's when size envy kicks in!

[stockae92]

to me, the rotating bezel of 24 or 25 submersible actually made the watch "looks" smaller than PAM with smooth bezel. but they are less "dressy"

PAM is meant to be big, so go for the 44mm.

i have tried on 44mm and 40mm back to back at an AD, and the 40mm plain looks "small" and didn't feel right.

[jms_w]

I have a 40mm PAM and do not regret it at all. My gut reaction to trying on a PAM250 for the first time was that it was way too big. Once I found out that there were 40mm versions, tried one on and was hooked. I'm not even close to 6 foot tall so I'm thinking you could easily pull off a 44mm at your height. Downsides to 40mm are difficulty finding straps (good for wallet though) and not as great resale compared with 44mm (better deals on used 40mm). Try one of each on and trust your gut reaction.

[mike]

I have to throw my support for the 44mm as well, though in the end it's your choice.

Between the 111 and logo it's a tough choice. I love the logo, but there's something special about a sandwich dial. 111 by a narrow margin.

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by mike

I have to throw my support for the 44mm as well, though in the end it's your choice.

Between the 111 and logo it's a tough choice. I love the logo, but there's something special about a sandwich dial. 111 by a narrow margin.

+1

Exactly my thoughts





Cheers

[B. Doggy]

Just roll with 44mm and you won't regret it!

[Speed]

In my view, going 40mm is not going with what makes a PAM a PAM. My

I love my 111 Sandwich Dial

[ckcspice]

44mm all a way!!!!

[Cru Jones]

Thank you everyone for your responses. I suppose it's true that, if you go PAM, you should get the 44. I'll first try on a 40 before definitely making up my mind.

The Panerai group on the forum is very close-knit and proud. Your enthusiasm is catchy!

Originally Posted by Speed

In my view, going 40mm is not going with what makes a PAM a PAM. My

I love my 111 Sandwich Dial

WOW!!! WHAT A PICTURE. Assuming I get comfortable with the size/presence on the wrist, you just made Panerai an extra €600, because, to me, it's a no-brainer to go for the 111 over the 005 at this point....Thanks.